ASKING where someone is from and avoiding eye contact have been branded signs of racism in a newsletter issued by Oxford University.

The institutions Equality and Diversity Unit has said this pair of actions constitute "micro-aggressions" which could cause people "mental ill-health".

2

Oxford University has deemed asking where someone is from and avoiding eye-contact 'racist'Credit: Corbis

Issued at the start of Trinity term, the third term at the university, the newsletter claims that asking someone where they are "originally" from implies they are a foreigner.

It also claims that "Jokes drawing attention to someone's differences and "not speaking directly to people" are potential forms of "everyday racism".

The letter adds that while people doing this may be "well meaning" but that the actions reinforce negative stereotypes, The MailOnline reports.

Oxford University said the advice was part of an attempt encourage equality of opportunity and to fight discrimination.
Students at the university recently took part in a campaign called "I, too, am Oxford", to raise awareness of unconscious racism.

MOST READ IN NEWS

Exclusive

'he chilled me to the bone'

Brit mum escaped Maddie suspect when he stayed with her parents

VACCINE BOOST

Coronavirus vaccine given 'using inhaler could be ready by next month'